I'll admit that I only made it to book 2 in this series prior to reading this and it was a struggle to actually finish book 2 for me. I'm unsure if book 3 and the other novellas would have changed my opinion of this book entirely, but honestly I came for Criminy and Tish. I don't care about anyone else, however I may check out Demi's book at some point now.

Anyhoo. I loved getting this final glimpse of Criminy and Tish. And Criminy. Did I mention Criminy? No? Well, Criminy Stain. He is one of my favorite Bludmen/Vampire characters ever. Dawson does amazing things with his character, to the point that even when you hate Tish, you still love her a little because he loves her so much. The love, the snark, the vicious, the smarts...you just can't go wrong with his character.

Now on to the downside. I don't generally don't care for Tish unless she is with Criminy. Thank god, she usually is. There is just something about her character that I can't bring myself to love. So, the entire storyline with her and her Nana just bored me senseless. You understand the reasons behind the entire storyline, but at the same time it annoyed me how THAT storyline was what finally spurred the advancement of Tish and Criminy's relationship. So, you lose some you win some I guess.

Overall, you won't really enjoy this if you aren't already accustomed to the awesomeness that is Criminy Stain, but even then (for me at least), some of the magic that was Wicked As They Come was lost in this book. However, even if wasn't the same, Criminy was still capable of spinning his own wicked brand of magic in this book as well that makes it more than readable. A definite must read for fans.

“Time to beat back the bunny hordes," he said gallantly, knowing that any blood-hungry animals in the area would be waiting outside for me.

He threw open the door, shouting, "Bunnies, prepare to meet your doom!”

How could someone not like a book like this? It recognizes the evil of bunnies with their hoppy legs and twitchy little noses.  I wonder if their eyesight sucks since they don't eat carrots? (Yes, I've watched too much Buffy)

Anyway. 

So, this was my first foray into the world of steampunk-ish books. I don't know if this world is typical of the genre or not, but I can't wait to find out. Wicked gave me a sort of Alice feel to Sang. The Bludmen, bludcreatures, pinkies, clockworks, caravan, etc all different and yet kind of the same as our world.  It made it easy for me to just fall into Sang and all of the crazy awesomeness.   It was a intriguing and fairly well written world. 

As for the people, well that can be summed up with 2 words. Criminy Stain. The magical gypsy king/ringleader of a traveling carnival full of sideshows and other various "circus freaks", Criminy Stain.  

"Why, Criminy Stain," I said. "You're a romantic."

"Oh, no," he said with a grin. "I'm fiendish and unscrupulous, a vicious killer and a thief and a bloodthirsty monster. And maybe a little romantic. But don't tell anyone, or my reputation's shot.”

Criminy was just a great character. He was cocky, sarcastic, hilarious, creeptastic, romantic, predatory, and described himself as being as wicked as they come....in a good way. I don't know many other characters who could dress in full Victorian gear, complete with a top hat and gloves and still inspire fear and panty dropping at the same time.  He made up for a lot of the shortcomings throughout the book. Particularly the shortcoming known as Letitia. She, like so many other heroines in books, was just frustrating for a good majority of the book.  She does eventually figure her shit out and become a more likable character though, you just have to power through her initial drama.  In her case, I can imagine it would be tough to be tossed into a new world, leaving behind a loved one. I like that the ending took that into consideration. 

Overall, this book is a must read for anyone looking for something that's a bit odd, a bit quirky, and a lot of fun. 

"You're here," he said simply. 

"Do I know you?" I asked, which came out more haughtily than I had intended.

"You will," he answered, kicking off the tree and walking toward me. "After all, you're wearing my locket. And I've been waiting for you.”